Yes, I wrote "Merry Christmas" — and not "Happy Holidays" or something more generic.
Even though I'm not a Christian, I think there's nothing wrong with wishing someone Merry Christmas or having someone (Christian or not) wishing me the same. People who avoid saying the word "Christmas" because of its religious connotation are just being silly.
Regardless of what one calls it, it's still a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes, I'm aware that many aspects of Christmas (including its date) originate in pre-Christian European pagan beliefs and practices. The exact same argument can be made of Vesak Day, the Buddha's birthday, with respect to the pre-Buddhist customs and religious beliefs of the Asian cultures for which it is now a holiday. If we can't refer to a holiday by its name because it borrows elements from pre-existing customs or because it might be perceived as exclusive, we'd have to refer to most holidays by generic names.
In the spirit of the season, here is a link to a list at fanpop! of 101 Classic Christmas videos which can be viewed online.
南無阿彌陀佛
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
If you found this book intriguing, you will definitely enjoy reading My Stroke of Insight - a Brain Scientist's Personal Journey" by Jill Bolte Taylor, and her talk on TED dot com about her stroke which is an 18 minute talk you Must Not Miss! (there's a reason it's been forwarded friend to friend millions of times!).
When you read the book and see the TEDTalk, you'll understand why this Harvard brain scientist was named Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People. Her unique experience, combined with her perspective as a neuroanatomist, and her sensitivity and awareness (not to mention beautiful writing style!) has produced something so powerful and so revolutionary that I think it's going to become a transformational movement in itself. Oprah also did four interviews with her (that I was able to download on the Oprah website) that are also worth checking out.
I am trying to share Dr Taylor's story with as many people as I can because I truly believe if everyone saw it the world would be so much better and people would love one another and no longer fight.
Post a Comment